Will tennis ever see a better fighter than Lleyton Hewitt? For 20 years the Australian crowd have been blessed to have man in their corner who is prepared to put everything on the line at his home Grand Slam, the Australian Open. 

It was only fitting that his illustrious career came to an end under the lights of the Rod Laver Arena where his back was-once again- up against the wall as he took on the dogged Spaniard David Ferrer.

It took a gruelling 2 hours and 25 minutes for Ferrer to finally record a 6-2 6-4 6-4 victory in which Hewitt battled to the very last point.

It was an emotional farewell for the man who has won two Grand Slams and won the hearts of many tennis fans over the past 20 years. Even after all that time, he showed that he can still compete with the very best and the relief on Ferrer’s face after the final point was clear to see.

The Spaniard will now play Steve Johnson in the third round while Hewitt will turn his attentions to his new role as Australia’s Davis Cup captain.

Ferrer Too Strong

At 33-years-old Ferrer, is only a couple of months younger than Hewitt, however the Spaniard’s career hasn’t been as blighted with injuries compared to the Australian’s.

David Ferrer made the third round for the eleventh straight year (Source: Huffington Post)
David Ferrer made the third round for the eleventh straight year (Source: Huffington Post)

Once again the Rod Laver Arena was packed to the rafters, just as it was for Hewitt’s first round victory over Aussie compatriot James Duckworth.

However Ferrer is still a top ten player and never looked like showing any sympathy for the home favourite.

If the fans were expecting Hewitt to roll back the years and push his higher ranked opponent the distance, like he has so many times, they were disappointingly mistaken.

That wasn’t to say it was a one sided match, but the reality was that Hewitt won just four tour matches last year and as a result his ranking had plummeted to a diminished 308.

Ferrer’s renowned consistency may have also dropped in 2015, but he is still the world number eight and in the opening set the difference showed.

The Spaniard broke the Hewitt serve in the fifth game and from there the result rarely looked in doubt.

Hewitt’s resolute mind-set and never say die attitude may have still been intact; however his body is no longer the engine that can dethrone top ten players over best of five sets.

Ferrer knew what he had to do and it was no surprise that he prevailed in the extended rallies. He played with judgement and precision, as Hewitt was willingly made to do all the running.

Hewitt Fights Untill The End

With nothing to lose the gusty Aussie accepted the challenge, as he dug in his heels for one last hurrah.

As professional as ever, Ferrer broke Hewitt at the start of the second set and did well to keep a lid of the awaiting crowd, who would have erupted at any opportunity Hewitt presented it to them.

He almost gave then the perfect opportunity in the seventh game of the second set where seven break points came and went.

Ferrer continued to move the Aussie from pillar to post and after a couple of calls for the trainer and medical time out at the end of the second set; it became clear where the match was heading.

Even so Hewitt will be a player who is remembered for fighting until the bitter end and this occasion was no different.

A wry smile to his conqueror at the net showed that he had savoured the moment. He still has a lot to offer to the game and you definitely haven’t seen the last of Lleyton Hewitt.

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About the author
Joseph Nicholson
Sports Journalism student at Sunderland University. Writer for the Championship and tennis offices.